I've gotta admit, not being a Christian, I was a bit hesitant to listen to "Jesus Children of America" when I got Innervisions years and years ago, for fear it would be some sort of proselytizing forgettable tune, one for the Unlistenable pile (where Styx, my fave group in 8th grade, currently resides). Looking back, I see two mistakes with that assumption: one, I never knew Stevie Wonder to proselytize; two, Stevie Wonder doesn’t write forgettable tunes (well, "I Just Called to Say I Love You"...aw, nevermind). So I played Innervisions that first time, and even if Stevie is proselytizing, I could care less: this tune flippin' jams, definitely one of the highlights of this album (and that's saying something — this is nearly a perfect album). So years later I say: proselytize or whatever all you want; I will respect your point of view, and if it's a jammin' jam, I will love it. (Although songs about hate, even if attached to a jammin' jam, will get tossed onto the Unlistenable pile.)
Posted on 07/23/2007
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My Trusted MOGs
have a talk with god on songs in key of life also killer.
My Trusted MOGs
Yes, those are both beautiful songs. Even though I never really got the feeling that Stevie was proselytizing in either one of them, I always felt like Stevie did have a special way of channeling a love from something bigger than ourselves. Maybe it was the loss of his eyesight that gave him that extra special bit of sensitivity to it. Besides Christianity doesn't own the copyright on Jesus, and I don't think Jesus would mind if a Jewish or Muslim person jammed to this song one bit.
My Trusted MOGs
I totally agree, ZN. I just wish Jesus's message of compassion and love was recognized by more people rather than what I view as the "free ticket to heaven" via his alleged resurrection (I'm probably getting into dangerous territory here).
And David, I also totally dig "Have a Talk With God", but I just dig the groove on "Jesus Children of America" better. Another great tune along these lines is Marvin Gaye's brief tune on What's Going On, "God is Love", with the lovely line, "And all He asks of us / is we give each other love." That's the message everyone should live by.
My Trusted MOGs
Yeah I'm definitely one of Stevie's disciples! Jam on!
My Trusted MOGs